Method and holder for consuming hamburgers or the like

ABSTRACT

A method and an associated holder for consuming a sandwich such as a hamburger. It involves the provision of a particular sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder comprising a bottom panel and at least one side section attached thereto and having a fold-back portion.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to packaging and holders for sandwichessuch as hamburgers or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Each year the restaurant industry sells millions of sandwiches,particularly round-bun sandwiches such as hamburgers, wrapped forcarry-away and drive-away consumption. The eating enjoyment of thesesandwiches is, in large part, determined by how “handle-able” theproduct is while being consumed. Large-type sandwiches, such as BurgerKing's Whopper hamburger, McDonald's Big Mac hamburger andQuarter-pounder hamburger, and Wendy's Single and Double hamburgers,tend to fall apart while being eaten. So providing a means for makingsandwiches easier-to-handle while being eaten would be a priority ofcertain restaurant companies.

[0003] Three conventional forms of packaging are used for sandwiches:(1) a paper-like wrap made of paper, foil, or plastic film, (2) aclamshell carton made either of paperboard or of Styrofoam-typematerial, and (3) an open-ended carton made of paperboard.

[0004] Three respective consumption methods currently apply to thosethree forms of packaging. The first method involves (a) wrapping thesandwich in a piece of paper-like wrap, (b) moving the wrapped sandwichto a place of consumption, such as an automotive vehicle, dining area,or residence, (c) opening the wrap and exposing the sandwich or removingthe wrap altogether, (d) holding the sandwich in hand and taking one ormore bites of it, and (e) between bites, setting the sandwich in ahorizontal disposition on a support surface. This method is used withmost conventional hamburgers and also with Burger King's Whopperhamburger and Wendy's Single and Double hamburgers. Even when thesandwich is left in the partially-opened wrap during consumption, theconsumption process is still exceedingly messy and inconvenient,particularly when eating the sandwich while driving an automotivevehicle. The paper-like wrap is insufficient to hold the layers of thesandwich from sliding apart and to keep ingredients from falling out ofthe sandwich and onto one's lap. This is especially the case when eatinglarge-type hamburgers such as those with a 12 centimeter (five inch)diameter bun and/or a 110 gram (four ounce) meat patty and/or two meatpatties.

[0005] The second method involves (a) placing the sandwich into aclamshell-type carton, (b) moving the packaged sandwich to a place ofconsumption, (c) opening the carton and removing the sandwich, (d)holding the sandwich in hand and taking one or more bites of it, and (e)between bites, setting the sandwich in a horizontal disposition on asupport surface or back into the carton. This method is used withMcDonald's Big Mac hamburger.

[0006] The third method involves (a) placing the sandwich into a cartonhaving an open top, (b) moving the sandwich to a place of consumption,(c) removing the sandwich from the carton, (d) holding the sandwich inhand and taking one or more bites of it, and (e) between bites, settingthe sandwich in a horizontal disposition on a support surface. Thismethod is used with White Castle's hamburgers.

[0007] All three methods hold the sandwich together during transport.However, none provide any assistance during eating. Specifically, afterthe wrap has been opened, or the sandwich has been removed from thecarton, there's nothing to keep the sandwich from falling apart whilebeing held in hand and being bitten into, particularly while being heldin one hand when driving an automotive vehicle.

[0008] In addition to these three conventional consumption methods, theprior art contain other sandwich-holding devices and consumptionmethods. They include those disclosed in Siemek U.S. Pat. No. 4,511,039(Hamburger Holder) granted Apr. 16, 1985; Palffy U.S. Pat. No. 4,641,752(Holder for Hamburgers and the Like) granted Feb. 10, 1987; and Levy etal. U.S. Pat. No. 4,936,479 (Hamburger Holder) granted Jun. 26, 1990.Each method has one or more drawbacks.

[0009] The method and holder disclosed by Siemek involves placing ahamburger into a hingedly movable jaw-like holder made of semi-rigidplastic. A portion of the hamburger extends beyond the end of the jaws.Siemek states that the device could also be constructed of thincardboard; however, doing so would require an awkward costlymanufacturing process, if it could be accomplished at all. Further, dueto the unusual shape of the holding device, the combination of hamburgerand holder would likely be hard to wrap in paper for carry-away ordrive-away consumption.

[0010] The method and holder disclosed by Palffy involves placing ahamburger into a paperboard holder constructed of a plurality ofvertical side panels joined along a common bottom edge. Prior to placingthe hamburger into the holder a movable bottom panel is inserted. Thisholds the carton open and also serves as a support for the hamburger. Tomove the hamburger upward (as it's being consumed) the movable bottompanel is forced upward by squeezing together the sides of the carton.This is a complicated method requiring multiple components andconsiderable complicated handling.

[0011] The method and holder disclosed by Levy et al. involves placing ahamburger into a pair of hollow semi-cylindrical disc-shaped receptaclesmade of plastic or metal. One of the receptacles has a pair of opposingcentrally-disposed pins which hold the hamburger in place, much like awheel axle. For consumption, the receptacle without the pins is removed,exposing (half of) the hamburger in the remaining receptacle. Duringeating the hamburger is rotated on the axis provided by the pins. Thismethod appears to be economically and operationally unfeasible for afast-food restaurant company.

[0012] So, there has remained a problem of how to handle and consume adrive-away or carry-away sandwich such as a hamburger, particularly whenbeing consumed while driving an automotive vehicle. This problem has notbeen solved by the prior art but is solved by my invention. By solvingthis problem, restaurant companies can sell a sandwich, and customerscan enjoy a sandwich, with less mess and greater convenience.

[0013] In conclusion, it would be highly desirable to provide a methodthat overcomes the above-described problems and disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] My invention is a method and an associated sandwich-holder forconsuming a sandwich. It involves the provision of a particularsandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder, which is practiced by placinga sandwich into a fold-back sandwich-holder comprising a bottom paneland at least one side section attached thereto and having a fold-backportion. A typical fold-back sandwich-holder is made of semi-rigidfoldable material such as paperboard. A typical sandwich used with themethod and holder is a round-bun sandwich such as a hamburger.

[0015] Optional additional steps to the method include (a) wrapping orenclosing the sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder within apaper-like wrap, whereby a paper-wrapped sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder is created, (b) moving the sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder to an outlying place of consumption such as anautomotive vehicle, (c) folding the fold-back portion of the sidesection to a fold-back position, (d) holding the sandwich-loadedfold-back sandwich-holder in hand and taking one or more bites of thesandwich, and (e) setting the sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holderon a support surface in an upright-sitting position with the sandwich ina vertical disposition

[0016] My invention typically would be used for packaging and consuminghamburgers but could be used for consuming certain other types ofsandwiches, as well.

[0017] A complete understanding of the invention can be obtained fromthe detailed description that follows.

OBJECT AND ADVANTAGE

[0018] The main object of my invention is enhancement in theportability, handle-ability, and overall convenience in consumingsandwiches, particularly while driving an automotive vehicle.

[0019] The advantage of my invention is a neater, cleaner, lesshassle-filled eating experience for sandwich consumers.

[0020] Further objects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent from consideration of the following detailed description,related drawings, and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021]FIG. 1 is a plan view of a blank for making a preferred embodimentof the sandwich-holder involved in the invention.

[0022]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the sandwich-holder.

[0023]FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of the sandwich-holder loaded witha round-bun sandwich.

[0024]FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the sandwich-holder loaded withthe sandwich.

[0025]FIG. 5 is an end view of a handheld sandwich-holder with thesandwich partially consumed and with the fold-back portions in fold-backposition.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0026] Between drawings, like reference numerals designate correspondingparts. 10 blank for making the preferred fold-back sandwich-holder 12fold-back sandwich-holder (a.k.a. fold-back sandwich carton, fold-backhamburger-holder) 14 sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder 16 foldedsandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich- holder 20 bottom panel 22 sidesection 24 base portion of side section 26 fold-back portion of sidesection 28 line indicating position of fold (also indicatesspring-back-reducing structure) 32 height of side section 34 height offold-back portion 40 end panel 42 height of end panel 50 corner flap 62obtuse angle 64 obtuse angle 70 sandwich 72 top surface of sandwich 74bottom surface of sandwich 80 paper-like wrap

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Sandwich-holder

[0027] The inventive method involves using a particular type ofinventive sandwich-holder. A preferred embodiment of that holder willnow be described.

[0028] As used herein, a “sandwich-holder” is defined as a rigid orsemi-rigid device designed or used for holding a sandwich. A piece ofpaper, foil, or plastic film does not constitute a sandwich-holder. Abag also does not constitute a sandwich-holder. Sandwich-holders canassume various configurations and be made of various semi-rigid foldablematerials such as paperboard and Styrofoam. For the preferred embodimentof the method, the recommended sandwich-holder is a paperboard carton ofa structure described in the discussion which follows. Since a hamburgeris a form of sandwich, a hamburger-holder would be considered to be aform of sandwich-holder.

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated a preferredembodiment of the sandwich-holder in the format of a one-piecepaperboard blank and, correspondingly, in the format of asandwich-holder, or carton, created from the blank. The intended use forthe embodiment is as a holder for round-bun sandwiches such ashamburgers. However, it will be appreciated, as the descriptionproceeds, that my invention may be realized in different embodiments andmay be used in other applications.

[0030]FIG. 1 shows a blank 10 and FIG. 2 shows a sandwich-holder (orcarton) 12 created from blank 10. Referenced components are labeled inFIG. 1; selected components are labeled in other Figures. Correspondingparts between drawings share a same reference numeral. It is noted thatthe invention is bilaterally symmetrical. Therefore, pairs of opposinglike components are to be found, with one item of the pair on each sideof the blank or carton. For simplicity of labeling, each component ofthe opposing pair will have the same reference numeral. Also, a pair maybe indicated by a numeral on one side of the drawing only. Where thisoccurs, it is to be understood that the discussion also applies to thecorresponding component on the other side, even though that componentmay not be numerically labeled.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the blank and correspondingcarton has a bottom panel 20 and a pair of opposing side sections 22each attached to bottom panel 20 at a fold line. Each side section 22 iscomprised of a base portion 24 and a fold-back portion 26, the line ofdemarcation between the two portions being at line 28. Duringconsumption of a sandwich, fold-back portion 26 is folded outwardly to afold-back position (shown in FIG. 5). When portion 26 is folded to thefold-back position, a crease or “break” occurs in the vicinity of line28. In addition to showing the point of demarcation between base portion24 and fold-back portion 26, line 28 also represents aspring-back-reducing structure. In the embodiment this structureconsists of multiple aligned slits in the board in the position of line28. These slits reduce the spring-back that can occur with fold-backportion 26 after it's folded to the fold-back position.

[0032] Side section 22 has a predetermined height 32 and fold-backportion 26 has a predetermined height 34. The dimension lines depictingheights 32 and 34 are shown in the drawing of blank 10 (FIG. 1) but areomitted from the drawings of carton 12 (FIGS. 2-4). Regardless, it is tobe assumed that heights 32 and 34 exist in the carton, as well. Thelength of height 34 is at least twenty five percent as long as thelength of height 32. In the embodiment, height 34 happens to be fiftypercent as long as height 32. This enables a substantial amount ofadditional sandwich to be exposed after the fold-back operation isperformed (described in the next section).

[0033] A pair of opposing end panels 40 are attached to bottom panel 20at fold lines. End panel 40 has a predetermined height 42 which is lessthan seventy percent as long as predetermined height 32. In theembodiment, height 42 happens to be forty percent as long as height 32.

[0034] Attached to each side section 22 are a pair of opposing cornerflaps 50. In sandwich-holder 12 flaps 50 are glued to end panels 40.

[0035] In the carton, each side section 22 is disposed at an obtuseangle 62 to bottom panel 20 (FIG. 3) and each end panel 40 is disposedat an obtuse angle 64 to panel 20 (FIG. 4). Each of these angles happensto be 100 degrees in the embodiment. However, it's possible to makeangle 64 substantially greater than that such as, for example, 110degrees or more.

[0036] Within the drawing of blank 10 a fold line connecting componentparts is depicted with a series of aligned long and short lines. Withinthe context of this invention a fold line can be created by a number ofmeans such as, for example, by a crease or score in the board or by aseries of aligned spaced slits in the board. In conclusion, as referredto herein a fold line is any line between two points on the blank orcarton along which the board is intended to be folded when the blank isbeing erected into a carton or when the carton is being manipulatedaccording to the disclosed method. The type of fold lines shown in thedrawings are presently preferred but it will be appreciated that othermethods known to those skilled in the art may be used.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment of the Method

[0037] This invention involves a method of consuming a sandwich,particularly a large, round-bun sandwich such as a larger-than-normalhamburger.

[0038] A preferred embodiment of the method comprises the followingsteps.

[0039] STEP A: Providing a sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder 14containing a round-bun sandwich 70 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4). In theclaims this sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder is also referredto as a sandwich-loaded fold-back carton and as a hamburger-loadedfold-back hamburger-holder. Provision of sandwich-holder 14 isaccomplished by placing sandwich 70 into fold-back sandwich-holder 12.Sandwich 70 has top and bottom surfaces 72 and 74, respectively. Bestseen in FIGS. 3 and 4, each side section 22 faces one of top and bottomsurfaces 72/74. In the preferred embodiment of the method, sandwich 70is a hamburger. In particular it's a larger-than-normal hamburger thathas (a) a bun that's at least eleven centimeters in diameter, and/or (b)a meat patty having a weight of at least eighty five grams, and/or (c)two meat patties stacked one above the other, either directly or withone or more components between them. After being placed intosandwich-holder 12, at least fifty percent of sandwich 70 is disposedoutside of the holder.

[0040] STEP B: Wrapping sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder 14within a piece of paper-like wrap, whereby a paper-wrappedsandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder is created. Paper would likelybe the most common form of wrap, however a wrap made of foil or plasticcould be used, as well.

[0041] STEP C: Moving the paper-wrapped sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder to a place of consumption, such as an automotivevehicle, a dining area, or a residence.

[0042] STEP D: Opening the piece of paper-like wrap and exposingsandwich 70.

[0043] STEP E: Holding sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder 14 inhand and taking one or more bites of sandwich 70. This may occur in anyof the previously-mentioned places of consumption. Particularly it mayoccur while driving an automotive vehicle. Providing a “clean,” easy wayto heat a hamburger while driving is a main object of the method.

[0044] STEP F: Folding fold-back portion 26 to a fold-back position(shown in FIG. 5), whereby a folded sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder 16 is created. The purpose of folding fold-back portion26 to the fold-back position is to expose a further portion of sandwich70 for eating. In the embodiment, spring-back-reducing structure 28helps portion 26 maintain that position.

[0045] STEP G: Holding folded sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder16 in hand and taking one or more bites of the newly-exposed portion ofsandwich 70 (shown in FIG. 5).

[0046] STEP H: Setting the sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder inan upright disposition on a support surface 80 (see FIG. 3), whereby anupright-sitting sandwich-loaded sandwich-holder is created and thesandwich is disposed in a substantially vertical disposition, therebyinsuring that the exposed portion of the sandwich does not contact thesupport surface which may be too dirty for safe food contact. To performthis step the sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder would likely beremoved from the paper-like wrap, although not necessarily. FIGS. 3 and4 show a full sandwich rather than a partially-eaten one and with asandwich-holder that has not yet had the fold-back portions folded to afold-back position. It is noted that the same upright disposition wouldapply even if the sandwich were partially eaten and even if thefold-back portions were folded back.

[0047] Even though multiple steps are described above, the essence ofthe method is Step A: Providing a sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder, a process accomplished by the sub-steps of providing afold-back sandwich-holder and then placing a round-bun sandwich into it.

Variations of the Method

[0048] The foregoing method describes a preferred embodiment, but otherconfigurations of the method are possible. Examples of some commonpossible variations are as follows.

[0049] Variation 1: The wrapping step could be performed prior to theproviding step, in which case sandwich 70 would be wrapped in apaper-like wrap and then the wrapped sandwich would be placed intofold-back sandwich carton 12.

[0050] Variation 2: In the opening step, in which the paper-like wrap isopened to expose a portion of the sandwich for eating, sandwich-loadedfold-back carton 14 either could be completely removed from thepaper-like wrap or could be left in the opened wrap. If left in theopened wrap, the sandwich-loaded fold-back carton could be held with theopened wrap wrapped around the base portion of the carton. Numeral 80 inFIG. 5 indicates a cut-away portion of a paper-like wrap wrapped aroundthe base portion of the carton.

Definition of Key Terms

[0051] Several key terms and concepts are used in describing thisinvention. Following is a list of specific definitions as used herein.

[0052] A “sandwich” is a handheld food comprising a filler componentheld within a bread component. The most common sandwich is thehamburger. Other types include the fish sandwich, chicken sandwich,sliced-meat sandwich, and submarine-type sandwich. Sandwiches can begrouped into two types: rod-shaped and non-rod-shaped. A rod-shapedsandwich is one in which the bread component has an elongated shaperesembling a rod. Examples would be the hot dog and the submarine-typesandwich (a.k.a. hero, hoagie, po-boy) and the like. A non-rod-shapedsandwich would be every other type of sandwich. Non-rod-shapedsandwiches include at least two types: round-bun sandwiches andconventional sandwiches.

[0053] A “round-bun sandwich” is any sandwich made with a substantiallycircular bun, as viewed from above. Examples of round-bun sandwichesinclude the standard hamburger, fish sandwich, chicken sandwich, andsliced-meat sandwich such as the Arby's roast beef sandwich. Typicalbread components used in a round-bun sandwich include the conventionalhamburger bun and the Kaiser-type roll. A “conventional sandwich” is anysandwich made with two pieces of bread sliced from a larger loaf. A“larger-than-normal hamburger” is a hamburger that has (a) a bun that'sat least eleven centimeters in diameter, and/or (b) a meat patty havinga weight of at least eighty five grams, and/or (c) two meat pattiesstacked one above the other, either directly or with one or morecomponents between them.

[0054] A “sandwich-holder” is a rigid or semi-rigid device designed orused for holding a sandwich. Accordingly, any carton made of semi-rigidfoldable material and designed or used for holding a sandwich is a formof sandwich-holder. If the type of sandwich that the device or cartonholds happens to be a hamburger, the sandwich-holder could be morespecifically referred to as a “hamburger-holder,” which also would beconsidered to be a form of sandwich-holder. A piece of paper-like wrap,such as a piece of paper, foil, or plastic film, is not considered to bea sandwich-holder. Also, a bag is not considered to be asandwich-holder.

[0055] A “fold-back sandwich-holder” is a sandwich-holder having atleast one side section having a fold-back portion.

[0056] A “sandwich-loaded sandwich-holder” is a sandwich-holder that isloaded with a sandwich.

[0057] A “sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder”is a fold-backsandwich-holder that is loaded with a sandwich.

[0058] A “folded sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder” is asandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder in which the fold-back portionhas been folded to a fold-back position.

[0059] An “upright-sitting folded sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder” is a folded sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holderthat is sitting upright on a support surface (with the bottom panel ofthe sandwich-holder sitting on the support surface).

[0060] A “piece of paper-like wrap” is a sheet of thin material forwrapping. It would likely be made of paper, foil, plastic, or somecombination thereof.

[0061] A “spring-back-reducing structure” is a configuration of singleor multiple score(s), slit(s), slot(s), hole(s), puncture(s), and/orcut-out(s) that act to reduce the tendency for a fold-back portion of asandwich-holder to move back to its original position after it has beenfolded to a fold-back position. In the embodiment, thespring-back-reducing structure comprises a series of aligned slitslocated along line 28.

CONCLUSION, RAMIFICATIONS, AND SCOPE

[0062] I have disclosed a method and an associated holder for consuminga sandwich. It involves the provision of a particular sandwich-loadedfold-back sandwich-holder comprising a bottom panel and at least oneside section attached thereto and having a fold-back portion.

[0063] The main object of my invention is enhancement of theportability, handle-ability, and overall convenience in consumingsandwiches, particularly while driving an automotive vehicle. Theadvantage of my invention is a neater, cleaner, less hassle-filledeating experience for sandwich consumers.

[0064] The illustrated method and sandwich-holder/carton represent thepreferred embodiment; however, other steps and configurations arepossible within the scope of the invention. For example, it's possibleto use different panel configurations for the blank other than thatconfiguration shown in the preferred embodiment.

[0065] The foregoing discussion has pertained mainly to consuminghamburgers. However, it should be realized that my invention could beused for other similarly-shaped sandwiches, as well. In conclusion, itis understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosedembodiments but, on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the appended claims, which scope is to be accorded the broadestinterpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalentstructures and processes as is permitted under the law.

I claim:
 1. A method of consuming a round-bun sandwich, said methodcomprising the steps of: providing a fold-back sandwich carton ofsemi-rigid foldable material and comprising a bottom panel and opposingside sections attached thereto, at least one of the side sections havinga predetermined height and a fold-back portion, said fold-back portionhaving a predetermined height at least twenty five percent as long asthe predetermined height of said at least one of the side sections; andplacing said sandwich into said carton in a disposition wherein said atleast one of the side sections faces at least one of a top surface and abottom surface of said sandwich; whereby a sandwich-loaded fold-backcarton is created.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising thefollowing step occurring prior to the placing step: wrapping saidsandwich within a piece of paper-like wrap.
 3. The method of claim 1further comprising the following step occurring subsequent to theplacing step: wrapping said sandwich-loaded fold-back carton within apiece of paper-like wrap, whereby a paper-wrapped sandwich-loadedfold-back carton is created.
 4. The method of claim 1 further comprisingthe following step occurring subsequent to the placing step: moving saidsandwich-loaded fold-back carton into an automotive vehicle.
 5. Themethod of claim 1 further comprising the following step occurringsubsequent to the placing step: holding said sandwich-loaded fold-backcarton in hand and taking a bite of said sandwich.
 6. The method ofclaim 5 further comprising the following step occurring subsequent tothe holding step: setting said sandwich-loaded fold-back carton in anupright disposition on a support surface, whereby an upright-sittingsandwich-loaded fold-back carton is created and said sandwich isdisposed in a substantially vertical disposition free of contact withsaid support surface.
 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising thefollowing steps occurring subsequent to the placing step: folding saidfold-back portion to a fold-back position, whereby a foldedsandwich-loaded fold-back carton is created and a further portion ofsaid sandwich is exposed for eating; and holding said foldedsandwich-loaded fold-back carton in hand and taking a bite of saidfurther portion of said sandwich.
 8. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising the following steps occurring between the placing and foldingsteps: wrapping said sandwich-loaded fold-back carton within a piece ofpaper-like wrap; and removing said sandwich-loaded fold-back carton fromsaid piece of paper-like wrap.
 9. The method of claim 7 furthercomprising the following step occurring between the placing and foldingsteps: holding said sandwich-loaded fold-back carton in hand and takinga bite of said sandwich.
 10. The method of claim 1 wherein: saidsandwich is a hamburger having at least one characteristic selected fromthe group consisting of (a) a bun having a diameter of at least elevencentimeters, (b) a meat patty having a weight of at least eighty fivegrams, and (c) two meat patties.
 11. The method of claim 1 wherein: atleast fifty percent of said sandwich is disposed outside of saidfold-back sandwich carton after said sandwich is placed into the carton.12. The method of claim 1 wherein: said at least one of the sidesections has a spring-back-reducing structure, whereby when thefold-back portion is folded to a fold-back position said fold-backportion tends to stay in that position.
 13. The method of claim 1wherein: said semi-rigid foldable material is paperboard.
 14. The methodof claim 1 wherein: said fold-back sandwich carton further comprisesopposing end panels attached to said bottom panel, each of the endpanels being disposed at an obtuse angle to said bottom panel.
 15. Themethod of claim 14 wherein: each of the end panels has a predeterminedheight less than seventy percent as long as the predetermined height ofsaid at least one of the side sections.
 16. A method of consuming asandwich, said method comprising the step of: providing asandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder enclosed within a piece ofpaper-like wrap, said sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder being ofsemi-rigid foldable material and containing a round-bun sandwich andcomprising a bottom panel and opposing side sections attached thereto,at least one of the side sections facing at least one of a top surfaceand a bottom surface of said sandwich and having a predetermined heightand a fold-back portion, said fold-back portion having a predeterminedheight at least twenty five percent as long as the predetermined heightof said at least one of the side sections; whereby a person can (a) openthe piece of paper-like wrap to expose the sandwich-loaded fold-backsandwich-holder, (b) consume at least a portion of the sandwich heldwithin the sandwich-holder by holding the sandwich-holder in hand andtaking bites of the sandwich, and (c) fold said fold-back portion to afold-back position to expose an additional substantial portion of saidsandwich for further consumption.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein:said semi-rigid foldable material is paperboard; both of said opposingside sections have a fold-back portion having a predetermined height atleast twenty five percent as long as the predetermined height of therespective side section; said sandwich-holder further comprises opposingend panels attached to said bottom panel and disposed at an obtuse anglethereto, each of the end panels having a predetermined height less thanseventy percent as long as the predetermined height of said at least oneof the side sections.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein: said at leastone of the side sections has a spring-back-reducing structure, wherebywhen the fold-back portion is folded to said fold-back position saidfold-back portion tends to stay in that position.
 19. The method ofclaim 17 wherein: the sandwich held within the sandwich-holder is ahamburger having at least one characteristic selected from the groupconsisting of (a) a bun having a diameter of at least elevencentimeters, (b) a meat patty having a weight of at least eighty fivegrams, and (c) two meat patties.
 20. The method of claim 17 furthercomprising the following step occurring subsequent to the providingstep: moving said sandwich-loaded fold-back sandwich-holder enclosedwithin a piece of paper-like wrap into an automotive vehicle.
 21. Amethod of consuming a hamburger, said method comprising the step of:providing a hamburger-loaded fold-back hamburger-holder of semi-rigidfoldable material and containing a hamburger and comprising a bottompanel and opposing side sections attached thereto, at least one of theside sections facing at least one of a top surface and a bottom surfaceof said hamburger and having a predetermined height and a fold-backportion, said fold-back portion having a predetermined height at leasttwenty five percent as long as the predetermined height of said at leastone of the side sections; whereby a person can consume at least aportion of said hamburger by holding said hamburger-holder in hand andtaking bites of the hamburger and then fold said fold-back portion to afold-back position to expose an additional substantial portion of saidhamburger for further consumption.
 22. The method of claim 21 wherein:the predetermined height of said fold-back portion is at least fortypercent as long as the predetermined height of said at least one of theside sections.
 23. The method of claim 21 wherein: said at least one ofthe side sections has a spring-back-reducing structure, whereby when thefold-back portion is folded to said fold-back position said fold-backportion tends to stay in that position.
 24. The method of claim 21wherein: said hamburger-holder further comprises opposing end panelsattached to said bottom panel, each of the end panels being disposed atan obtuse angle to said bottom panel and having a predetermined heightless than seventy percent of the predetermined height of said at leastone of the side sections.
 25. The method of claim 24 wherein: saidhamburger has at least one characteristic selected from the groupconsisting of (a) a bun having a diameter of at least elevencentimeters, (b) a meat patty having a weight of at least eighty fivegrams, and (c) two meat patties.
 26. The method of claim 25 furthercomprising the following step occurring subsequent to the providingstep: wrapping said hamburger-loaded fold-back hamburger-holder within apiece of paper-like wrap, whereby a paper-wrapped hamburger-loadedfold-back hamburger-holder is created.
 27. The method of claim 26further comprising the following step occurring subsequent to thewrapping step: moving said paper-wrapped hamburger-loaded fold-backhamburger-holder into an automotive vehicle.
 28. In combination, ahamburger at least partially contained within a fold-backhamburger-holder of semi-rigid foldable material, said fold-backhamburger-holder comprising a bottom panel and opposing side sectionsattached thereto, at least one of the side sections facing at least oneof a top surface and a bottom surface of said hamburger and having apredetermined height and a fold-back portion, said fold-back portionhaving a predetermined height at least twenty five percent as long asthe predetermined height of said at least one of the side sections;whereby a person can consume said hamburger by holding saidhamburger-holder and, after consuming a portion of said hamburger, canexpose an additional substantial portion of the hamburger by folding thefold-back portion of said at least one of the side sections to afold-back position.
 29. The combination of a hamburger at leastpartially contained within a fold-back hamburger-holder as defined inclaim 28, wherein: said semi-rigid foldable material is paperboard. 30.The combination of a hamburger at least partially contained within afold-back hamburger-holder as defined in claim 28, wherein: saidfold-back portion is disposed in said fold-back position.
 31. Thecombination of a hamburger at least partially contained within afold-back hamburger-holder as defined in claim 28, wherein: said atleast one of the side sections has a spring-back-reducing structure,whereby when the fold-back portion is folded to said fold-back positionsaid fold-back portion tends to stay in that position.
 32. Thecombination of a hamburger at least partially contained within afold-back hamburger-holder as defined in claim 28, wherein: saidhamburger-holder further comprises opposing end panels attached to saidbottom panel, each of the panels being disposed at an obtuse angle tosaid bottom panel.
 33. The combination of a hamburger at least partiallycontained within a fold-back hamburger-holder as defined in claim 28,wherein: said combination is enclosed within a piece of paper-like wrap.34. The combination of a hamburger at least partially contained within afold-back hamburger-holder as defined in claim 28, wherein: saidhamburger has at least one characteristic selected from the groupconsisting of (a) a bun having a diameter of at least elevencentimeters, (b) a meat patty having a weight of at least eighty fivegrams, and (c) two meat patties.
 35. The combination of a hamburger atleast partially contained within a fold-back hamburger-holder as definedin claim 34, wherein: both of said opposing side sections have afold-back portion having a predetermined height at least twenty fivepercent as long as the predetermined height of the respective sidesection; said hamburger-holder further comprises opposing end panelsattached to said bottom panel, each of the panels being disposed at anobtuse angle to said bottom panel and having a predetermined height lessthan seventy percent as long as the predetermined height of said atleast one of the side sections; at least thirty percent of saidhamburger is disposed outside of said hamburger-holder; and saidcombination is enclosed within a piece of paper-like wrap.
 36. Thecombination of a hamburger at least partially contained within afold-back hamburger-holder as defined in claim 35, wherein: said atleast one of the side sections has a spring-back-reducing structure.